U.S. Charges Unveiled: Alleged Technology Theft for China, Russia, and Iran Exposed

The United States has revealed charges in five separate cases involving alleged attempts to steal technology for the benefit of China, Russia, and Iran. Among these cases is the prosecution of a former Apple engineer accused of targeting the company's autonomous systems technology, including self-driving cars, and subsequently fleeing to China.

During a press conference held by the Justice Department, the cases were outlined, focusing on accusations related to the theft of trade secrets and other technological advancements. Two of the cases revolve around the creation of procurement networks designed to aid Russia's military and intelligence services in acquiring sensitive technology.

While these five cases are the first to be announced by a U.S. "strike force" established in February, it is important to note that the investigations were initiated prior to its formation. Matt Olsen, the head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, emphasized the commitment to enforcing U.S. laws to prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive technologies to foreign adversaries.

The former Apple engineer, identified as Weibao Wang, a 35-year-old individual who previously resided in Mountain View, California, was hired by Apple in 2016, according to an unsealed indictment from April. In 2017, Wang accepted a position with a Chinese company involved in self-driving car development while still employed at Apple. However, he waited approximately four months before notifying Apple of his new job, as revealed in the indictment.